Photography by Grey Crawford
During the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week, design and architecture aficionados converge on the city to experience house tours, lectures, films and parties celebrating midcentury modern design. In 2014, a new feature was added to Modernism Week in the form of a designer show house, showcasing interior design and outdoor living. Dubbed the Christopher Kennedy Compound after the Palm Springs interior designer who spearheaded the project, the first year was a marked success, prompting the return of the show house in 2015.
Thirteen designers from across the country combined efforts to complete the design of a 2,500-square-foot midcentury modern home in the Indian Canyons neighborhood of Palm Springs. Drawing over 3,000 visitors, the 2015 show house raised nearly $100,000 for Modernism Week and architectural preservation in the greater Palm Springs area.
To encourage cohesion in the house, Christopher Kennedy suggested a nature-inspired palette of blues and greens to the participating designers. He also encouraged a light and fun aesthetic, in keeping with the Palm Springs lifestyle.
The 2015 designers included:
Linda Allen – master bedroom patio
Bobby Berk – side patio lounge
Michael Berman – pool terrace
Mark Cutler – master bedroom
Vanessa de Vargas – powder room
Tabitha Evans – guest bathroom
Trip Haenisch – living room
Grace Home – guest bedroom
Parker Kennedy – study
Paletteur – back terrace
Nancy Price – dining room
Marlaina Teich – master bath
Christopher Kennedy – kitchen & master closet
The Modernism Week Show House is also returning in 2016, with a new roster of talented designers! Available to tour from February 13 – 21, 2016, the house will include designs by Michael Berman, Michel Boyd, Julia Buckingham, Jamie Durie, Kelli Ellis, Kelly Lee, Christopher Kennedy, Carson Kressley, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, Denise McGaha, Quigg Studios, Justin Shaulis, Best Practice Architecture, Trellis Home and 31 Westgate. More information available here!
